The Indianapolis Colts surprised many when they drafted Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Running back Marlon Mack is coming off the best season of his career, so it was a bit shocking to see Indy add another back.
Taylor was looked upon as one of the best running backs in the draft, so he isn’t going to be a backup to Mack.
This isn’t an ideal situation for Mack, but he took the news well and is going to be a professional about it.
Mack’s Response
Head coach Frank Reich texted Mack after the Colts took Taylor in the second round.
Reich told Mack, “You know how we roll, we spread the wealth at running back. Keep you both fresh and dominate. Every great football team needs a great 1-2 punch in the running game.”
Mack responded by saying, “Yes sir, let’s go, let’s go get it.”
Over the last two seasons Mack has been the lead back in Indy, but understands he needs to be a team player.
The league is evolving into a multiple running back strategy and it’s working for a lot of organizations.
It’s tough to rely on one player to carry the ball for 20 or more times a game each week.
Mack knows what kind of toll it takes on your body and understands the Colts want to add depth in the backfield.
Colts Rushing Attack in 2019
Mack was an absolute workhorse for the team last season, but unfortunately, he missed a few games due to a wrist injury.
He rushed for a career-high 1,091 yards on 247 attempts with eight touchdowns through 14 games.
The Colts did not have much depth behind Mack, which is why adding Taylor makes sense.
Nyheim Hines was the Colts’ best option whenever Mack needed a few plays off.
He finished with 199 rushing yards on 52 attempts and two touchdowns through 16 games.
Hines was mainly used in the passing attack whenever he came on the field.
He hauled in 44 receptions for 320 yards last season for the Colts.
It’s clear that the Colts need another option they can rely on to run the ball in the backfield.
Mack won’t see as much action anymore, but adding Taylor could make the Colts offense more effective.
Say hello to this lethal 1-2 rushing combo for #Colts:
Jonathan Taylor + Marlon Mack pic.twitter.com/RLKuTuteKA
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) April 25, 2020
Was Drafting Taylor A Smart Idea?
Mack is entering the final year of his contract, which could be part of the reason the Colts added Taylor.
It sounds like Taylor will eventually be the workhorse back in Indy, but will play alongside Mack for at least one season.
Taylor put up incredible numbers in college, so he’d be an asset to just about every organization.
He rushed for 2,003 yards on 320 attempts with 21 touchdowns during the 2019 season.
This Mack/Taylor committee will hinder both their totals on paper, but should help the Colts offense.
Both players are talented enough to be the starter on many professional organizations.
They will now co-exist together for at least one season.
It seems that Mack is perfectly fine with the Colts decision to add Taylor, so that’s great news heading into camp.
NEXT: What The Colts Are Getting With New RB Jonathan Taylor